 |
John R. 'Dick' Borton Yakima, WA QCWA # 03552 Chapter 4 |
In Memory of
John Richard (Dick) Borton
May 30, 1912 - December 1, 2012
"When a great man dies, for years the light He leaves behind him, lies on the path of men."
John Richard Borton, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, was ushered into the presence of the Lord on December 1, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Today we rejoice in the knowledge that he is forever at home with the Savior he faithfully served for more than a century. He was 100 years and six months old and the patriarch of the Borton family.
John Richard, better known to all as Dick, was born on May 30, 1912 to Byron Sarver and Frances Mae Borton in Albany, OR. He was the middle of three sons. Shortly after his birth, his father moved the family to the Yakima Valley to become the head schoolmaster at Marks School, a three room school house just 2 miles from the 20 acres of land that he purchased. It was here that Dick's father planted his first apple orchard. At an early age, Dick and his brothers Byron and Don learned the values of discipline and hard work while working on the farm. They milked cows, thinned apples, and worked late nights protecting the orchard from frost with smudge pots.
Dick graduated from Yakima High School in 1930 and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Washington State College with a degree in Electrical Engineering. For the next 8 years, he was employed with Pacific Power & Light, working in several locations in Northwest Washington. During one visit to Yakima, his sister-in-law was instrumental in reacquainting him with a lovely young lady whom he had known at Washington State. He married Veda Marie Nansen from Almira, Washington in 1938 and enjoyed 70 wonderful years of marriage.
After college, Dick's two brothers came home to work in the family apple business. In the wake of World War II, Don was called to duty as a Lieutenant in the ROTC Program. He was sent overseas and was tragically killed while leading his men behind enemy lines on a reconnaissance mission. Following Don's death, Dick felt a tug at his heart, pulling him back home to the farm to help his father, who was working too hard and nearing retirement. In 1946, Dick joined his father and his brother Byron in the family farming business. While his brother supervised the orchard operation, Dick managed the warehouse packing and bookkeeping. It was in Yakima that Dick and Veda raised their 3 children-Nancy, Barbara and John. In 1972, John and his cousin Bill came back to work with their fathers in the family business.
Dick had a variety of interests throughout his lifetime. He was an avid participant in amateur (ham) radio (W7BUW). He enjoyed communicating with people from over 100 different countries both by voice and Morse code. He also mentored other "soon to become" ham operators.
Dick also had an avid interest in sports. For years, his front yard was the neighborhood playground. Countless games of croquet, badminton, and softball were played and Dick was often a participant. One of Dick's greatest joys was watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren play competitive tennis, soccer, football, track, and basketball.
Upon retirement, Dick became an avid golfer. He loved playing golf with his family and friends. Last year, at 99 years of age, he birdied Apple Tree's hole #2 as well as winning a closest to the pin contest and shooting par on the signature 17th apple island green. During his 90's, Dick was able to complete the rare feat of shooting his age every year through his 98th birthday. He enjoyed participating in both the West Valley Dollars For Scholars and Children's Miracle Network Golf Tournaments each year since their inception. This past year in 2012, at the age of 100, he was able to compete on a 4-man scramble team in the Dollars For Scholars Tournament.
While where Dick worked and how he enjoyed spending his time are important parts of his story, Dick's Christian faith was the foundation of his life. It is also the greatest legacy that he leaves behind. He loved his Lord and lived a life of Christ-like integrity, setting an example of the highest moral character in obedience to God. He was wise, humble, faithful, trustworthy, and most importantly, his actions were a true reflection of what he valued most-his God, his wife, his family, and his friends. He was a member of Ahtanum Pioneer Church and served on the board of deacons and elders. He was also a Council member of the Firs Bible and Missionary Conference Center. He and his wife Veda were passionate about Christian missions organizations and supported many missionaries around the world.
Dick is survived by his son John Borton (Barbara), his daughter, Barbara Kinloch (Greg), grandchildren Jason (Sasha) & Jon (Adriene) Kinloch, Eric & Matthew Borton, Katie Birley (Andy), 8 great grandchildren, Makenzie, Corban, Charskie, Dawson, Logan & Lily Kinloch, and Landen & Austin Birley all of Yakima.
Dick was preceded in death by his dear wife Veda, his daughter Nancy, his parents Byron Sarver and Frances Mae, his brothers Byron and Don, and his granddaughter April Borton.
The family would like to thank their fathers' primary caregiver-Yolanda Gonzalez, along with assistant Rocio Diaz, and Alvaro Nava and Monica Sarias, who were all instrumental in making it possible for Dick to stay in his home for the duration of his life. He loved and appreciated their wonderful care.
A celebration of John Richard Borton's life will be held Monday, December 10, 2012, with a public graveside service at Terrace Heights Memorial Park at 2:00pm, followed by a Memorial Service at 3:30pm at Ahtanum Pioneer Church. (Reception/Dinner to follow).
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Ahtanum Pioneer Church, the Union Gospel Mission or Cross Link, a ministry to Hispanic people in the Yakima Valley.
